The most beautiful species and varieties at a glance

Interesting facts about Epiphyllum species

• Native to the rainforests of South and Central America
• not hardy
• very easy to care for
• blooms only after five years
• needs rest in winter

The most famous species of the leaf cactus are the Christmas cactus and the Easter cactus.

Different flower colors of the different Epiphyllum species

The leaf cactus is characterized by the fact that it produces very different flower colors depending on the variety. Epiphyllum anguliger for example, it bears 15 to 18 cm long flowers, the outer bracts of which are lemon yellow and the inner leaves are pure white. Epiphyllum oxypetalum in contrast, develops smaller, pointed flowers with reddish outer leaves.

Most species have a hanging habit and are therefore often grown as an ampelous plant. In addition to the articulated leaves, they have strongly flattened sprouts.

In contrast to others Cactus species has the Epiphyllum no or only very weak spines.

Epiphyllum mostly in the trade as a hybrid

Epiphyllum grows in nature as an epiphyte, i.e. on other plant species. The species that are commercially available are mostly hybrids, which are much more robust and also cope better with indoor conditions.

All types of Epiphyllum are easy to care for

Caring for the leaf cactus differs from other species in the large cactus family. In contrast to these, he needs more moisture and occasionally likes small amounts of fertilizer.

In the winter the Epiphyllum must be placed a little cooler, since without a break it does not or only few flowers brings forth.

It is important that you as Substrate No way Cactus soil and do not provide the Epiphyllum with special cactus fertilizer. As earth is suitable Potting soilthat is mixed with sand or gravel. To the Fertilize there are leaf cactus fertilizers or fertilizers for green plants that contain little nitrogen.